Comcast customers in Atlanta will be among the first to experience gigabit Internet speeds over existing cable connections.

The Internet service provider this week announced an advanced consumer trial of its DOCSIS 3.1 service in the Georgia capital.

New or current users with gigabit-capable devices are encouraged to sign up for the plan; Comcast will select participants in a number of neighborhoods, though it remains unclear which areas are eligible.

"Our Atlanta customers will be among the first in the world to enjoy this new Gigabit technology, and we're looking forward to learning more from these early adopters about how they take advantage of these ultra-fast speeds," Bill Connors, president of the Comcast Central Division, said in a statement.

Initial users will have the choice of a promotional contract price of $70 per month for 36 months, or an every-day price of $139.95 with no contract.

Once the advanced trial is complete, Comcast will roll out the program to more markets later this year, introducing additional price points in other areas.

Related

The company in February announced plans to offer gigabit Internet service using DOCSIS 3.1 technology in Atlanta and Nashville in early 2016, with Chicago, Detroit, and Miami to follow in the second half of the year.

DOCSIS 3.1 runs through standard cable connections already in place at your home or office; no fiber installation necessary. Just sign up for a plan and plug in a new modem.

Comcast's Gigabit Pro service, on the other hand, does use fiber for speeds up to 2 gigabit per second. Launched in Atlanta last year, the program is rolling out to Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, and several other markets. It is now available to 18 million homes, but costs about $230 per month.

About the Author

Stephanie began as a PCMag reporter in May 2012. She moved to New York City from Frederick, Md., where she worked for four years as a multimedia reporter at the second-largest daily newspaper in Maryland. She interned at Baltimore magazine and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (in the town of Indiana, in the state of Pennsylvania) w... See Full Bio

Get Our Best Stories!

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.